2. Defined by the Association of College
and Research Libraries:
“Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring
individuals to „recognize when information is
needed and have the ability to
locate, evaluate, and use effectively the
needed information.‟” 1
Source:
http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency
Using the following
standards, faculty, instructors, and
librarians can make sure students
are information literate.
3. STANDARD 1:
PLAN
The information literate student determines the nature
and extent of the information needed.
4. STANDARD 2: FIND
The information literate student
accesses needed information
effectively and efficiently.
5. STANDARD 3: EVALUATE
The information literate student evaluates
information and its sources critically and
incorporates selected information into his
or her knowledge base and value system.
6. STANDARD 4: CREATE
The information literate
student, individually or as a member of a
group, uses information effectively to
accomplish a specific purpose.
7. STANDARD 5: LEGALITY
The information literate student
understands many of the
economic, legal, and social issues
surrounding the use of information and
accesses and uses information ethically
and legally.
8. “Information literacy forms the basis for
lifelong learning. It is common to all
disciplines, to all learning environments, and
to all levels of education. It enables learners to
master content and extend their
investigations, become more self-
directed, and assume greater control over
their own learning.”
